The Presidency has urged Nigerians to exercise restraint and patience as the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N585 million by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Betta Edu, unfolds.
Addressing fresh allegations, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, cautioned against a media trial while also revealing a potentially relevant detail.
Onanuga disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had previously authorized the release of N3 billion under the former administration of Muhammadu Buhari for verifying the National Social Register. This register, established under Buhari, serves as the basis for cash transfers and other social investment programs.
But speaking to The PUNCH on Monday night, Onanuga said “The President has directed the EFCC to investigate the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and all these matters are under investigation already.
“I am sure that the EFCC had seen that memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff and they are doing something about these findings.
“Let us allow them to do their work. Let us not to be doing double investigation on the same issue or a media trial on an issue that is under investigation. Nigerians should exercise patience.
“When the EFCC is done with their findings, they will tender their report to the President who will then act on the result of the investigation.”
The disclosure of this N3 billion allocation raises questions about potential connections to the N585 million missing from the ministry. While Onanuga emphasized the ongoing investigation and discouraged speculation, the information adds a new layer to the already complex story.
Nigerians are understandably eager for answers and accountability in the wake of the scandal. However, the Presidency’s call for patience underscores the importance of allowing the investigation to run its course before drawing conclusions. The revelation about the N3 billion register verification adds a wrinkle to the narrative, demanding further scrutiny and potentially offering a key piece of the puzzle.
